couples + enhancement
Refine
Think of it like getting an oil change—not because something’s wrong, but because you care about the road ahead.
Ask about RefineREFINE is an intensive experience for couples who already practice connection with care. You show up. You listen. You repair. You’ve built something strong—and now, you’re ready to fine-tune it.
Grounded in Gottman’s Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, this package is designed for the Masters—couples who want to deepen what’s already working. It’s not therapy. It’s a focused, time-bound workshop that helps you recalibrate with intention, so your relationship feels not just steady, but alive.
Through guided sessions, you’ll revisit foundational skills with a fresh perspective and practical nuance. You’ll walk away with tools to spot micro-moments of disconnection, sharpen emotional attunement, refresh rituals of connection, refine your conflict style, and strengthen shared meaning.
Because Couples Intensives aren’t based on medical necessity, it’s not covered by insurance and is offered as an out-of-pocket investment. REFINE is for couples who already know how to love well—and want to keep growing, together.
A focused conversation
What you'll learn
- Spot micro-moments of disconnection before they take root.
- Sharpen emotional attunement, especially during stress or transition.
- Refresh rituals of connection so they feel meaningful, not mechanical.
- Refine your conflict style to reduce reactivity and increase repair.
- Strengthen shared meaning, aligning values, dreams, and direction.
The framework
Gottman’s Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
This intensive experience is organized around the source-backed framework named above, within a private, time-bound workshop.
Programme details
Full-Day Weekend Intensive
Pre-program
Complete Gottman Relationship Check-up
Investment
$750 per couple
- 01SESSION 1: Discuss assessment results, Sound Relationship House, Four Horsemen
- 02SESSION 2: Principle #1 - Enhance Your Love Maps; Principle #2 - Nurture Your Fondness and Admiration; Principle #3 - Turn Towards Each Other Instead of Away
- 03SESSION 3: Principle #4 - Let Your Partner Influence You; Principle #5 - Solve Your Solvable Problems; Principle #6 - Overcoming Gridlock
- 04SESSION 4: Principle #7 - Create Shared Meaning Together; Recap
A private workshop—not therapy.
This is a time-bound, skills-based intensive experience. Because Couples Intensives aren’t based on medical necessity, it’s not covered by insurance and is offered as an out-of-pocket investment.
Complimentary ConsultationKeep exploring
The other conversations
Meet Dr. Athena Dacanay
Dr. Athena Dacanay
Licensed Psychologist
10+ years in practice
I aim to foster emotional and intellectual safety—where you feel seen, heard, and gently challenged. I’m collaborative, quietly Socratic, and adaptive, shifting my approach to meet your evolving needs. I work with adults, couples, and families navigating OCD and anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and questions that may call for psychological evaluation. Together, we consider the whole person—not only symptoms, but also the relationships, experiences, strengths, and settings that shape daily life.
I hold a PhD in Educational Psychology from Ball State University and a Master of Family Life and Child Development from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. I am licensed as a psychologist in North Carolina and Illinois, with active PSYPACT APIT authorization. My clinical training includes ERP through the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), S.P.A.C.E. with Dr. Eli Lebowitz, and Gottman Method Level 3 training.
I offer in-person care in Asheville and telehealth across North Carolina and participating PSYPACT states.
PhD in Educational Psychology
Ball State University
Master of Family Life and Child Development
University of the Philippines, Diliman
ERP training through BTTI
S.P.A.C.E. trained by Dr. Eli Lebowitz
Gottman Method Level 3 Trained
Licensed Psychologist in North Carolina and Illinois
Active PSYPACT APIT authorization
Member: IOCDF, OCD North Carolina, WNCPA, and NCPA
- OCD
- Anxiety
- Relationship Issues
- Psychological Evaluations
Adults — often educated or working in professional settings, many with families — frequently seeking therapy during transitions such as new work, raising children, loss, or adjusting to new roles, or seeking to learn better ways to cope with difficult or even traumatic experiences. Couples and parents are welcome. You do not need a diagnosis or crisis to begin.
My therapeutic approach is grounded primarily in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also incorporate Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) Treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to meet each client's unique needs.
In Person or Online
Office Location
ICF Psychological Services 1095 Hendersonville Road, Suite A-4 Asheville, NC 28803
Our Asheville office is a thoughtfully designed space for focused conversation, reflection, and meaningful work. If you prefer to meet remotely, telehealth appointments are available through HIPAA-compliant video platforms, including Zoom and SimplePractice, allowing you to connect from wherever works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don't have to choose alone.
Share your relationship goals and we can talk through the right stage, current availability, and practical details.
Complimentary Consultation